Garden Grove graduate killed in San Francisco

A college student in San Francisco who graduated from Garden Grove High School two years ago was shot and killed as he got off a Muni train, authorities said.

Justin Valdez, 20, was shot in the back Monday after getting off a train at Randolph and Bright streets about 9:50 p.m., San Francisco Police Sgt. Gary Watts said.

Valdez, who had attended an evening class at San Francisco State University, was pronounced dead at the scene. The shooter fled.

On Tuesday evening, police arrested Nikhom Thephakaysone, 30, in connection with the killing, Watts said. Thephakaysone was booked at the San Francisco County Jail on suspicion of murder.

Watts said the attack appears to be “totally random” and unprovoked.

Steve Osborne, principal at Garden Grove High School, said Valdez's death is a tremendous loss.

“He lived every day of his life to make it meaningful,” Osborne said. “For everything to end in a way that feels so meaningless is just bizarre.”

Valdez was a swimmer, water polo player and president of the AVID and Environmental clubs.

“It's been a difficult day, especially for students in the AVID program, aquatics program and the teachers who knew him during his four years here,” Osborne said.

The university is also mourning Valdez's death.

“This is truly a tragedy for Justin's friends and family, and for the entire university community,” said San Francisco State President Leslie Wong. “I have reached out to Justin's family to offer our heartfelt concern and to assure them that we stand ready to offer support and assistance at this difficult time.”

Valdez was voted most dedicated on the swim team as a senior and served as a team captain.

A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Friday on the pool deck at Garden Grove High, and another vigil will be held there at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Organizers would like attendees to bring an item to recycle. The money raised will go to the Valdez family, Garden Grove swim coach Eric Henninger said.